This grant provides funds for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Operators to purchase equipment to serve healthier school meals, improve food safety, and expand access to school meals. Equipment requests may include new equipment, renovation of equipment, or replacement of equipment.
For FY 2024 Equipment Assistance Grants, Congress has specified that the threshold for the purchase of equipment must be greater than $1,000. All individual items requested under this grant must have a value greater than $1,000. Cost(s) incurred before the approval of the grant may not be funded through the award.
Priority will be given to:
High-needs schools where 50 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Additional factors include, but are not limited, to the following:
Opportunities to realize meaningful impacts on nutrition and quality of meals
Strategies for adopting lunchroom changes that provide more convenience and appeal to the student population
The age of food service equipment or lack of appropriate items
The availability of existing State and local funding for equipment purchases
Priority is also given to schools that have not previously received an NSLP Equipment Grant.
When will the application be open?
This Grant Information Guide (GIG) was released on January 3, 2025.
Application Submission Date
Proposals due no later than 5pm on February 3, 2025.
Funding Amount Available
$167,875
Estimated Number of Grants
Ten (10) to fifteen (15)
MSDE will hold three customer service support sessions for interested applicants. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will provide an overview of the application process.
Applicants must attend one of the session dates below. Applicants may attend more than one session if needed.
MSDE staff will also be available to provide technical assistance throughout the grant application process. If you have questions about the application or the process, please contact:
Sara Brandt
Program Specialist, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs
Office: (410) 767-0201
sara.brandt@maryland.gov
Following customer service support sessions, a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers will be posted to the MSDE website.
Grant Information Guide (PDF)
Application for Participation (PDF)